BioXcel rises as trial starts for its stress disorder drug in trauma victims

BioXcel Therapeutics

08/04/2026 12:10

** Shares of biotech firm BioXcel Therapeutics BTAI.O rise 11.9% to $1.22 premarket

** Co says it has begun enrolling patients in a trial of BXCL501 for acute stress reactions, a short‑term mental health condition that can include anxiety, sleep trouble and pain after traumatic events

** Says the drug is being tested in 100 people soon after incidents such as car crashes, with the goal of calming stress symptoms and preventing longer‑term mental health problems

** Adds the study is led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is funded by the U.S. government, while BioXcel supplies the drug

** Says there are currently no recommended medicines for acute stress reactions, and positive results could support use of drugs in urgent cases

** As of last close, stock down ~32% YTD

(Reporting by Sahil Pandey in Bengaluru)

((Sahil.Pandey@thomsonreuters.com))